Bahrain Mirror: A press investigation revealed confidential documents showing the involvement of the telcoms giant Ericsson in paying bribes to the terrorist ISIS organization, as well as its involvement in corruption in dozens of countries, including Bahrain.

The investigation published "The Guardian" newspaper showed that Ericsson is alleged to have helped pay bribes to the Islamic State terrorist group in order to continue selling its services after the militants seized control of large parts of Iraq.

Leaked documents of internal investigations conducted by the company reportedly found that the company had put its contractors in danger and allowed them to be kidnapped by gunmen. 

After taking charge of Mosul in 2014, IS controlled about 40% of Iraq, financing the administration of the territory through a mixture of taxes, the sale of oil and looting until it was driven out in 2017.

The statement also conceded Ericsson employees had engaged in widespread misconduct in Iraq and committed "serious" violations of its regulations, including irregular payments and non-payment of tax, between 2011 and 2019.

The investigations uncovered allegations the company was involved in corruption in at least 10 countries across four continents. The company allegedly used a slush fund to give gifts, entertainment and hospitality to members of the government between 2010 and 2019. 

Bribes were also allegedly paid in Bahrain and Angola.

The leaked documents, running to 101 pages, were produced in 2019 and 2020. They record the results of internal investigations commissioned by Ericsson into alleged corruption by the company around the world.

Ericsson, which is headquartered in Stockholm, employs 100,000 people and sells telecoms equipment in 180 countries. 

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